“You don’t need to leave the reservation to have global or regional impact because of the technology,” says Glorianna Cordova, a founding member of the new Red Wire news service. Cordova, who along with her four business partners, attends Oglala Lakota College in Pine Ridge, where she is studying digital video and new media production.
If they are successful in executing their business plan, Red Wire will provide subscribers from around the world an Internet-based source of news by and about American Indians. After decades of being defined by the mainstream media’s view of what is news in Indian Country, Cordova and her classmates are convinced they have found a niche by adding a Native perspective.
From what I've heard, ICT is struggling rather than flourishing, even though it's owned by the deep-pockets Oneida Nation. Therefore, I have to wonder if Red Wire's subscription model will work. I'd read the business plan carefully before I bet any money on it.
That said, any news service is to be applauded for trying to increase the flow of Native news. We may reach a point where the need for such news is satisfied, but we're not there yet.
You are dead on in your assessment, Rob. This idea, while worthy, will face a tough uphill battle. The truth is, blogs are supplanting much of traditional media, not only in Indian country but throughout the mainstream media as well.
ReplyDeleteWhy? Cause they're dynamic, free, accessible...and free. free. free.